In 1840, Alexis de Tocquevile observed a bedrock cultural presupposition of Americans in the Age of Jackson. He called this presupposition "interest rightly understood." In the second volume of Democracy in America, he wrote, "The principle of interest rightly understood produces no great acts of self-sacrifice, but it suggests daily small acts of self-denial. By itself, it cannot suffice to make a man virtuous; but it disciplines a number of persons in habits of regularity, temperance, moderation, foresight, self-command; and, if it does not lead men straight to virtue by will, it gradually draws them in that direction by their habits."

Today, in the face of challenges of climate change and global poverty, individuals are often asked to make sacrifices in their private lives in order to advance the public good. Within American culture, however, the values of self-care and consumerism can be in tension with those of sacrifice for and service to the public good. And even if an individual makes such sacrifices, she/he might feel that such sacrifices are trivial compared to the magnitude of the problems - leading then to apathy and a prioritization of self-care and consumerism.

At its 2017 annual meeting, the Society for Values in Higher Education invites presentations and panels on the theme of sacrifice - in particular, the tension between sacrifice and consumption vis-a-vis the public good, what de Tocqueville styled "interest rightly understood."

Ways to participate

We are committed to providing opportunities for scholars to participate regardless of the amount of funds available to them. Those accepted to present and able to attend the meeting benefit from a reduced registration rate. If you are unable to come to Boston, you can still participate virtually with a very minimal registration fee. For non-members, both registration fees include a one-year membership in SVHE and a subscription to our journal, Soundings.

Submit a Proposal

All proposals should be submitted electronically. Begin by simply clicking on the button below. Proposals will be submitted as attachments. Please submit only Word or PDF documents. Proposals should not exceed 1000 words. Proposals will be reviewed as they are submitted. Review will continue until all available slots are filled. No proposals will be accepted after the deadline of April 15, 2017. Interdisciplinary and/or practice oriented proposals are especially encouraged.

All presenters must be registered for the meeting in order to present their work and appear in the program. Those presenting in person will receive a reduced registration rate of $75 for members or $125 for non-members (which includes a complimentary year-long membership in SVHE) for the 2017 Fellows Meeting. Scholars presenting virtually are required to pay a $75 registration fee.

Awards

Two papers will be selected for the Robert Spivey Excellence in Scholarship Awards that include a prize of $300 each. To be eligible for an award, completed papers must be submitted by July 1, 2017 and presented at the conference or virtually.